Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

The Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar recently announced the establishment of a Career Development Center (CDC) to assist students in finding and securing internships and jobs following graduations.

According to Basmah Ali, the Career Development Manager at SFS-Qatar, the Career Development Center has two primary missions. “We want to prepare our students about the realities and demands of the national and international job market,” she said. “Secondly, we want to be the partner-of-choice for employers in providing them with qualified talent pool from our students and graduates to meet their recruitment and selection needs. We look forward to establishing valuable relationships with employers and organizations in Qatar and building successful lasting partnerships.”

CDC’s primary role is to serve students, helping them develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to make informed career choices and to reach their career and life goals. The CDC is committed to providing students with opportunities for career development both inside and outside class, through the following services:

• Career Exploration Workshops, which assist students learn more about their interests and skills; the kind of work available in Qatar and globally, and how to make an informed career decision. The workshops, scheduled throughout the year, will vary from CV writing to communication skills and job search skills.
• Career Resource Center will house career related books, articles, magazines, employer information, career planning software, videos and on-line resources available to all students. The Center helps students to research employers, careers and jobs to make informed career decisions.
• On-Campus Student Employment Program: SFS-Qatar has started an on-campus student employment program that offers work opportunities to students while they complete their undergraduate degrees. Students at all levels can apply for various on-campus positions posted with the Career Development Center.
• Internship Program: which offers students the chance to gain experience with an employer of choice during the academic year or during the summer break. For most students, the internship program offers them their first work exposure and the CDC will help ensure that each student is well-prepared before and supported during his/her internship placement.
• Post-Graduate Employment Program: The CDC is committed to developing a post-graduate employment program that supports and promotes students in their first career step after graduation. The post-graduate employment program will offer preparation workshops on advanced job search skills, interviewing skills, final CV check and development. Student will have access to employer networks directly linking graduates of SFS-Qatar to market opportunities and specific job vacancies.

“Our liberal arts curriculum is designed to create a capacity and love for a lifetime of learning,” James Reardon-Anderson, dean of Georgetown’s Qatar campus said. “Students of the School of Foreign Service in Qatar are being equipped for professional careers, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that our graduates take the first firm steps along that path.”

For students interested in learning more about the Career Development Center, please contact Ms. Basmah Ali to schedule an appointment.

For potential employers interested in working with the Center, please visit Employer Services page or contact the Career Development Center by phone at +974 492 7818 or click here to send an e-mail.